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Ganseys

This exciting three year project focuses on the tradition of hand knitted ganseys in the Moray Firth’s fishing communities as a way of preserving this important part of our culture and introducing the craft – and the area’s wider fishing heritage – to new audiences.  The project has it's own dedicated website www.gansey-mf.co.uk.

A 'gansey' is a distinctive, seamless, woollen pullover, traditionally worn by seamen and fishermen. It was designed to be practical, comfortable to wear for work, and provide some protection from the harsh conditions at sea. Many early fishing communities are thought to have had their “own” distinctive gansey patterns or pattern combinations. Wearers’ initials or the name of the boat were sometimes incorporated into a design, and if a man was lost at sea, this might have helped identify him. For more information on ganseys click here.

The project will:

• provide local project coordinators to help locate, record and conserve examples of traditional Moray Firth Ganseys, patterns and traditions
• involve communities and individuals, schools and colleges
• provide skills development training
• promote local economic development opportunities

It is really important that old examples of ganseys are not thrown away - it does not matter if they are well worn or patched! We just need to be able to record the patterns and the style so that we can build up a complete picture of ganseys around the Moray Firth and to show the development of patterns in a UK and North Sea context.

If you have any old ganseys (regardless of condition), patterns, knitting pins / sheaths, old pictures showing ganseys or gansey knitters or indeed any information or stories, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Project Co-ordinators
Aberdeenshire: Edith Rattray Tel: 01346 518323
Moray: Moira Morrison Tel: 01343 820079  Assistant co-ordinator: Hannah Rodway Tel: 07751 335575
Highland: Stephanie Hoyle Tel: 01463 793948  Assistant co-ordinator, Caithness: Deborah Mitchell Tel: 01955 604882

Forthcoming Events
Ganseyfest 1 & 2 October at the Centre for Health Science, Raigmore, Inverness
Are you interested in knitting, social history, fashion? Moray Firth Gansey Project's Ganseyfest could be just what you're looking for! This is a celebration of the culture of our fishing communities, in particular the characteristic knitted sweaters with intricate embossed patterns traditionally worn by fishermen.  You will be able to attend workshops led by international experts, hear about the lives of the women who baited lines, sold fish and mended nets in addition to making clothes and raising a family, learn how the old techniques are being adapted to create high fashion clothes and accessories.  See the biggest collection of ganseys ever; browse and buy from the trade stands.  For further details go to www.gansey-mf.co.uk